On July 30, 2025, the Nats traded Michael Soroka to the Cubs but kept ace MacKenzie Gore, signaling their future plans ahead of the MLB trade deadline.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
While the scoreboard in Houston told a familiar story of a rebuilding team's struggles, the real action for the Washington Nationals on Wednesday happened off the field. On the eve of the MLB trade deadline, General Manager Mike Rizzo made his strategy clear: acquire future assets while protecting the crown jewels. The Nats executed a significant trade, sending starter Michael Soroka to the Chicago Cubs for prospects, but made an even bigger statement by rebuffing heavy interest in All-Star lefty MacKenzie Gore, cementing his status as the anchor of the rotation for years to come.
Despite heavy interest from the Yankees, Red Sox, and Astros, the Nationals are holding firm on All-Star MacKenzie Gore, who boasts a 3.52 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 117.2 innings this season.
In a move that signals a clear commitment to the long-term rebuild, the Nationals traded right-hander Michael Soroka to the Chicago Cubs. In return, Washington bolstered its farm system by acquiring shortstop Ronny Cruz (the Cubs' No. 13 prospect) and outfielder Christian Franklin (No. 14). Soroka, who posted a 4.87 ERA in 16 starts, was a valuable veteran arm, but turning him into two top-15 prospects from a solid system aligns perfectly with the front office's goal of stockpiling young, controllable talent.
The biggest news might be the trade that didn't happen. All-Star MacKenzie Gore was one of the hottest names on the market, with contenders lining up to make an offer. However, the Nationals set an exceptionally high price, signaling to the league that Gore is not just a trade chip; he's a foundational piece. With team control through the 2027 season, the Nats view Gore as a critical part of their next competitive window, and their refusal to move him speaks volumes about their belief in his ace potential.
The backdrop to the deadline drama was a tough 9-1 loss to the Houston Astros. In what turned out to be his final start for the Nats, Michael Soroka allowed four runs over five innings, including a decisive three-run homer to Jose Altuve in the second. The Nats' offense managed just a single run as the team fell to 44-63 on the season. The loss was a stark reminder of the team's current standing, further emphasizing the importance of the front office's future-focused moves.
The Soroka trade adds much-needed depth to a farm system that recently saw its ranking dip. After the 2025 draft, where the Nats selected infielder Eli Willits first overall, Bleacher Report dropped the system from No. 19 to No. 22. While Willits has high upside, the system lacks a consensus top-25 overall prospect. Adding Cruz and Franklin provides an immediate injection of talent and raises the overall floor of a system that is the lifeblood of this rebuild.
With the trade deadline dust settling, the Nationals' path is clearer than ever. The focus shifts from transactional what-ifs to developmental realities. The rest of the 2025 season is now an extended audition and a classroom for the young core. Keeping Gore sends a message of stability, while adding Cruz and Franklin injects new potential into the system. The wins and losses will matter, but the growth of the future stars will matter more.
